A look back on the year

2011 has been a busy year at the Society of Biology. In February we relocated to new premises at Charles Darwin House where we now reside alongside ten similar organisations, helping to create a hub for UK biology.  In June we launched our new look for The Biologist which we are happy to say has been well-received!

Here is snapshot of some of this year’s achievements:  

Education and Training

Over 23,000 children entered our UK Biology Competitions with medals won at the international level

Publication of two careers booklets, for sixth formers and undergraduates.

Two Life Sciences Careers Conferences held in Aston and York

Launch of the pilot for our Degree Accreditation programme – highlighting excellent bioscience degrees

First year running the Bioscience Teacher of the Year Award – with a record number of entries

Launched early-career travel grants

Engagement

Ran 100+ events, organised both centrally and across the country by our amazing branches 

A presence at science and careers events across the country, including: Big Bang Fair; multiple science festivals and the Bang Goes the Theory Tour.

More networking opportunities for MSBs and FSBs, including lunches, the Fellows’ Dinner and the MSB Drinks Reception

Science Communication and Photography Awards

New  Biomedical – Bioscience & Pharma Newsletter

Science Policy newsletter growing

Policy

20+ consultation responses

Stephen Benn appointed as Director of Parliamentary Affairs – helping to raise the profile and understanding of the life sciences in parliament.

Launch of the UK Plant Sciences Federation – a single voice for UK plant science

Working on the transposition of the transposition of the European Directive 2010/63/EU on the Protection of Animals Used in Scientific Research via the Animal Science Group

Attended four fringe events at the Party Conferences

Oral Evidence given to Select Committee on Forestry Research

First policy workshop for early-career biologists

Thank you for your continued support of the society - your membership makes these activities possible.

To make sure that 2012 is just as successful, if not better, we will be conducting a membership survey early in the New Year. Here you will have the opportunity to express your views and make suggestions to help shape our future activities.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!